JP2019508215A - Trampoline suspension mounting connection device - Google Patents

Abstract

Trampoline suspension attachment coupling device comprising an elongated bed rail pivotally mounted on a telescopic vertical stand. The telescopic vertical stand has a first cylindrical member, a second cylindrical member, and a base plate. The second cylindrical member is telescopically fitted inside the first cylindrical member. The upper end of the second tubular member is configured to form at least one groove into which one end of the bedrail is inserted. The first and second tubular members include a shock absorber assembly.

Description

[Cross-reference to related applications]
This application claims priority retrospective to US patent application Ser. No. 15 / 068,093, filed Mar. 11, 2016. The contents of that US application are hereby incorporated by reference into the present disclosure.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
1. FIELD OF THE INVENTION The present invention relates generally to the field of trampolines, and more particularly to a trampoline suspension attachment linkage incorporating a pivotable bed rail and a shock absorber assembly in a vertical stand.

2. Description of Related Art The trampoline facility industry has grown rapidly in the United States during the last seven years and has recently expanded into international markets. The biggest problem facing the industry is that users suffer injuries when they land on trampoline pads. In a typical configuration, there is a framework of steel bars and / or steel cables under the trampoline pad, and a plurality of springs connect the trampoline mat (jumping surface) to the trampoline bed rail (steel bar or steel cable) . A thick vinyl foam pad is usually attached to the top of the bedrail to cover the underlying steel framework and springs. This foam pad is the only soft surface that protects the user from injury when landing on the trampoline bed rail.

  Trampoline facilities that use steel cables instead of steel bars as a framework for the trampoline have some of the flexing effects of the steel cables, which mitigates some of the impact when the user lands on the bedrail. The bending provided by the cable is limited in quantity and is itself problematic. In particular, the impact of the user in contact with the steel cable is hardly absorbed (small energy absorption) but rather transmitted to the cables of several interconnected trampolines, between all the steel cables of the whole coat It produces a wave effect and loses its substantial effect of energy absorption at impact. The trampoline facility, which is a steel bar that restrains and stabilizes the bottoms of multiple trampolines, in any event does not absorb energy in the event of an impact, thus posing a risk of serious injury.

  The present invention solves the problem of being injured by landing on the trampoline pad / bedrail by incorporating the buffer assembly in the trampoline framework. This device reduces the force of impact on the user by allowing the bedrail to pivot when impacted. There are numerous patent applications relating to trampolines and trampoline structures, but none of their inventions include the safety features of the present invention.

  U.S. Pat. No. 3,677,368 (Green, 1972) has a frame made of a tubular material and supported by legs, which allows the frame to move downward even if a downward impact is applied to the frame. A trampoline that does not move is disclosed. Also, the invention provides a "yieldingly supported" pad means on the frame to cushion the impact of the user hitting the frame.

  U.S. Pat. No. 5,336,135 (Keyvani, 1993) consists of a series of trampolines arranged one above the other and offset so that the user can jump from the top trampoline to the bottom trampoline in order. A play equipment configured to be provided is provided. In one embodiment, the trampoline has a rigid support structure except where it flexes when excessive force is applied to the trampoline. The latter embodiment includes a curved "flexure bar" with steel springs at the end to partially absorb impact forces.

  U.S. Patent No. 6,598,365 (Abraham et al., 2003) describes an impact and energy absorbing product for flat surfaces such as floors, walls and the like. The invention basically involves the placement of a coil spring over the area to be protected. The spring is fitted with flared inserts, which are inserted into a receiving member fixed on a flat surface.

  In U.S. Pat. No. 6,662,538 (Yoon, 2003), a plurality of inner leaf springs are disposed at the periphery of a substantially circular inner canvas, and a plurality of outer leaf springs are disposed at the periphery of a substantially circular outer canvas. The so-called "safe" trampolines are described. Attach the inner leaf spring to the inner canvas and the outer leaf spring to the outer canvas with a connecting string.

  In U.S. Patent No. 6,733,420 (Schroeder, 2004), a frame formed by corner members joined at adjacent corners including a shoulder and a gusset, and a coil spring disposed in the frame and attached to the frame An exercise device is disclosed which consists of connected textile beds. A plunger in the leg assembly provides additional stroke displacement when using the device.

  U.S. Pat. No. 8,668,190 (Heruska et al., 2014) provides a shock absorbing structure with a vertical hollow post which telescopically accommodates the post. A coil spring is disposed between the support plate on top of the vertical hollow column and the top plate connected to the upper end of the post. When a downward force is exerted on the top plate, the post retracts into the hollow post and the spring is compressed.

  U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2006/0116242 (Publicover) describes a trampoline in which resilient connectors such as springs support beds in a trampoline frame and are adjustably connected to each other to adjust the spring tension. . The tension between the springs can be adjusted to increase or decrease the tension between adjacent springs (or sets of adjacent springs).

  The present invention comprises an elongated bed rail rotatably mounted on a telescopic vertical stand having a first tubular member, a second tubular member and a base plate, said first tubular member being hollow and attached to said base plate And the second cylindrical member is telescopically fitted inside the first cylindrical member, and the upper end of the second cylindrical member is inserted with the first end of the bed rail At least one groove is configured to form, the first end of the bedrail having a shaft, and the first end of the bedrail is at the upper end of the second tubular member about the shaft. Rotating against, the first and second tubular members include a buffer assembly, the buffer assembly being fixed to a base plate whose lower end is adapted to fit inside the first tubular member And a lower end of the shock absorber attached to the upper end of the cylindrical bottom post, and an upper portion of the shock absorber is attached to the upper end of the second cylindrical member. It is.

  In a preferred embodiment, the second cylindrical member has four outer surfaces and four plastic liners respectively affixed to the outer surface of the second cylindrical member. Preferably, the bedrail comprises trampoline spring attachment means. The trampoline spring attachment means are preferably one or more zigzag shaped members.

  In a preferred embodiment, the first end of the bedrail includes a cylindrical bush disposed in a cylindrical channel provided at the first end of the bedrail, and the shaft is a center of the cylindrical bush. Penetrate the hole. Preferably, the shock absorber assembly further includes a coil spring disposed around the cylindrical bottom post, between the base plate and a top plate disposed at the upper end of the cylindrical bottom post. The shock absorber is preferably a gas spring.

  In a preferred embodiment, the shaft extends through a slot in each of the two plates on either side of the first end of the bedrail, the slot being in the slot as the bedrail pivots. It is configured to be able to move sideways.

1 is a perspective view of a trampoline suspension mounting connection of the present invention. It is an exploded view of a bedrail attachment point of the present invention. FIG. 2 is an exploded view of the shock absorber assembly of the present invention. FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view of the trampoline suspension attachment coupling of the present invention with the shock absorber in an uncompressed position. FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view of the trampoline suspension attachment coupling of the present invention with the shock absorber in a compressed position. 1 is a perspective view of a first embodiment of the top of the vertical stand of the present invention. 1 is a perspective view of a first embodiment of the top of the vertical stand of the present invention. FIG. 5 is a perspective view of a second embodiment of the top of the vertical stand of the present invention. FIG. 7 is a perspective view of a third embodiment of the top of the vertical stand of the present invention. FIG. 10 is a perspective view of a fourth embodiment of the top of the vertical stand of the present invention. Figure 5 is a perspective view of a fifth embodiment of the top of the vertical stand of the present invention; 1 is a perspective view of a first embodiment of the lower part of the vertical stand of the present invention. It is a perspective view of 2nd Embodiment of the lower part of the vertical stand of this invention. It is a perspective view of 3rd Embodiment of the lower part of the vertical stand of this invention. It is a perspective view of 4th Embodiment of the lower part of the vertical stand of this invention. It is a perspective view of 5th Embodiment of the lower part of the vertical stand of this invention. FIG. 10 is a perspective view of a sixth embodiment of the lower part of the vertical stand of the present invention. FIG. 10 is a perspective view of a stationary vertical stand without a shock absorber assembly. Figure 2 is a detailed top view of a trampoline mat connected to the trampoline suspension attachment coupling of the present invention.

Reference Signs List 1 vertical stand 2 horizontal bed rail assembly 3 base plate 4 first cylindrical member 5 second cylindrical member 6 plastic liner 7 bolt 8 shock absorber 9 receiving bracket 9 a support plate 9 b receiving plate 9 c arched member 10 bed rail 10 a cylindrical channel 11 Zig-zag member 12 bolt 12a (for bolt 12) hole 13 (in the receiving bracket) slot 14 (in the receiving bracket) 15 bottom post 16 base plate 17 pin 18 spring stop collar 19 coil spring 20 top plate 21 support bracket 22 trampoline mat 23 trampoline spring 24 bush

  FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a trampoline suspension mounting connection of the present invention. As shown in this figure, the invention comprises a vertical stand 1 and a horizontal bed rail assembly 2. The vertical stand 1 includes a base plate 3, a first cylindrical member 4 (hollow) attached to the base plate 3 and extending upward from the base plate 3, and a second cylindrical member 5 telescopically fitted inside the first cylindrical member 4 ( Hollow). The outer diameter of the second cylindrical member 5 is smaller than the inner diameter of the first cylindrical member 4, and the second cylindrical member 5 is preferably made of four flat plastic (preferably polytetrafluoroethylene: TEFLON (registered trademark)) ) The liner 6 is provided, each of which is attached to one of the four outer surfaces of the second cylindrical member 5. The first and second cylindrical members 4 and 5 are both elongated. The plastic liner 6 preferably extends from just below the bolt 7 that secures the shock absorber 8 (not shown) to the second cylindrical member 5 from the upper part of the second cylindrical member 5 to the lower part of the second cylindrical member 5. It extends over the whole (see FIG. 3). The upper end of the first cylindrical member 4 is open (so that the second cylindrical member 5 can slide), and the lower end of the first cylindrical member 4 is closed (because it is welded to the base plate 3). The upper end and the lower end of the second cylindrical member 5 are preferably both open.

  Two long receiving brackets 9 are welded to the upper end of the second cylindrical member 5. Each receiving bracket 9 is horizontally oriented and orthogonal to the central axes of the first and second cylindrical members 4 and 5. In this embodiment, each receiving bracket 9 is welded to the outer surface of the second cylindrical member 5 and the two receiving brackets 9 are arranged on the opposite surface of the second cylindrical member 5 to each other. The height of the receiving bracket 9 is preferably the same as the height of the bed rail 10, and the width of the receiving bracket 9 preferably corresponds to at least three times the width of the second cylindrical member 5. The receiving bracket 9 is preferably centered on the upper end of the second cylindrical member 5.

  In a preferred embodiment, the receiving bracket 9 comprises a zigzag shaped member 11 welded to the outside of the receiving bracket 9 and acting as a mounting point for a trampoline spring (not shown). The bed rail 10 is pivotally attached to the receiving bracket 9 at each end of the receiving bracket 9. As shown in FIG. 1, one end of the bedrail 10 fits between the two opposite ends of the two receiving brackets 9 and passes through the receiving bracket 9 and the end of the bedrail 9 located therebetween. It is fixed to the receiving bracket 9 by the bolt 12 extended. In a preferred embodiment, zigzag-shaped members 11 are welded to the two horizontally facing outer surfaces of each bed rail 9 and these zigzag-shaped members 11 function as attachment points for a trampoline spring (not shown). The height of the bedrail 10 is preferably approximately the same as the height of the receiving bracket 9, and the width of the bedrail 10 is approximately equal to the distance between the inner surfaces of the facing receiving brackets 9. Further, it is preferable that the upper end of the second cylindrical member 5 be disposed so as to stay slightly below the upper edge of the receiving bracket 9.

  FIG. 2 is an exploded view of the bedrail attachment point of the present invention. As shown in this figure, bolts 12 extending through the receiving bracket 9 and the bed rail 10 pass through horizontal slots 13 located at each end of the receiving bracket 9. These slots 13 are preferably elongated such that the width of the slots is greater than the height of the slots for reasons to be described later in connection with FIGS. In a preferred embodiment, a cylindrical bush 24 is arranged in a cylindrical channel 10 a at the end of the bed rail 10 inserted in the groove between the two receiving brackets 9. Each bolt 12 extends through the slot 13 of the receiving bracket 9 and also through the central hole 12a of the bush 24. The bolt 12 functions as a shaft around which the end of the bed rail 10 rotates.

  FIG. 3 is an exploded view of the shock absorber assembly of the present invention. As shown in this figure, the shock absorber assembly 14 comprises a cylindrical bottom post 15 fixed at one end to a base plate 16 adapted to fit inside the first cylindrical member 4. A pin 17 secures the lower end of the cylindrical bottom post 15 to a spring stop collar 18 which extends around the cylindrical bottom post 15 and is mounted on the base plate 16. An optional coil spring 19 is disposed around the cylindrical bottom post 15 between the base plate 16 and the top plate 20, and the top plate 20 abuts against the lower surface of the second cylindrical member 5 in the upward direction. The shock absorber 8 is preferably of the gas spring type, the lower end of which is screwed onto the upper end of the cylindrical bottom post 15. As mentioned in connection with FIG. 1, the upper part of the gas spring 8 is fixed to the upper end of the second cylindrical member 5 (immediately below the receiving bracket 9) by a bolt 7. The shock absorber 8 is disposed inside the second cylindrical member 5 between the top plate 20 and the upper end of the second cylindrical member 5. In embodiments without a coil spring 19, the top plate 20 or spring stop collar 18 is not necessary.

  FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view of the trampoline suspension attachment coupling of the present invention in a non-compressed position of the shock absorber, and FIG. 5 is a view of the shock absorber of the trampoline suspension attachment coupling of the present invention. It is a cross-sectional view showing a state in which it is in the closed position. As shown in FIG. 4, when the bedrail 10 is not weighted, the shock absorber 8 is fully extended, and the bedrail 10 is in a horizontal position (that is, perpendicular to the first and second cylindrical members 4 and 5). However, as shown in FIG. 5, when a downward force is applied to the bedrail 10, the bedrail 10 pivots relative to the vertical stand 1, and the buffer 8 contracts as the shock absorber 8 contracts. The rail 10 moves down (i.e. pivots) at the receiving bracket 9.

  The other end (not shown) of the bedrail 10 may be connected to another vertical stand provided with a shock absorber, and may be connected to a vertical stand without shock absorber (see FIG. 18). If both ends of the bedrail are connected to a vertical stand with shock absorbers, the whole bedrail moves somewhat downward and the end of the bedrail connected to the upper end of the vertical stand (via the support bracket) As shown in FIG. 4, rotate somewhat (with respect to the receiving bracket). On the other hand, if the other end of the bedrail is connected to a shock-free vertical stand, the end of the bedrail connected to the upper end of the vertical stand (via the receiving bracket) is relative to that shown in FIG. Move downward (ie, pivoting relative to the receiving bracket). In other words, since the bedrail moves the upper end of the shock absorber down by a distance equivalent to the contraction amount of the shock absorber, the angle with respect to the second cylindrical member is more than shown in FIG. It becomes visible and gets bigger.

  Also note in FIGS. 4 and 5 the relative position of the bolt 12 (not shown) within the slot 13 of the receiving bracket 9. In the position shown in FIG. 4 (with no weight on the bedrail), the bolt 12 is located at the end of the slot 13 closest to the vertical stand 1. In the position shown in FIG. 5 (weighted bedrail), the bolt is moving outwards in the slot 13. In the preferred embodiment, the slot 13 is configured to allow the bolt 12 to move laterally as the bedrail pivots. When the second cylindrical member 5 moves downward by load, the second cylindrical member 5 pushes down the top plate 20, thereby compressing the coil spring 19 between the spring retaining collar 18 and the top plate 20. When the weight is removed, the coil spring 19 pushes up the top plate 20 and the second cylindrical member 5, thereby assisting the shock absorber / gas spring 8 to lift the entire assembly. In FIGS. 4 and 5, the bolt 12 is omitted for clarity, but the hole 12a of the bush 24 (at the end of the bed rail 10) through which the bolt passes is shown.

  6 to 10 show alternative embodiments of the receiving bracket 9. FIG. 6 shows the same configuration of the receiving bracket as shown in the previous figures. FIG. 7 shows the same configuration of the receiving bracket as FIG. 6 except that the zig-zag member 11 is removed from one of the receiving brackets. FIG. 8 shows that one of the receiving brackets is the same as that shown in FIG. 6 and the other receiving bracket is similar to the support plate 9a (similar to the receiving bracket 9 described with reference to the previous drawing) and the support plate 9a. The configuration of the receiving bracket consists of two short receiving plates 9b extending parallel to one another at an angle of 90 °. The two receiving plates 9b each have the slots 13 described above, and the support plate 9a has the slots 13 at both ends of the support plate. Two bedrails 10 (not shown) are inserted between the receiving bracket 9 and the support plate 9a and bolts (not shown) that allow the bedrail to pivot relative to the receiving bracket / support plate as described above Fixed there by. One bed rail 10 (not shown) is inserted into the recess between the two receiving plates 9b and secured there by means of bolts (not shown) which allow the bed rails to pivot relative to the receiving plate 9b Be done. Thus, the vertical stand configuration shown in FIG. 8 can accommodate three bed rails instead of two. The embodiment shown in FIG. 9 differs from the embodiment shown in FIG. 8 only in that the zig-zag member has been removed from one of the receiving brackets 9. An arched member 9c between the receiving plate 9b and the support plate 9a provides additional structural support means.

  The embodiment shown in FIG. 10 consists of two support plates 9a and four receiving plates 9b. This particular arrangement can accommodate four pivoting bed rails. The embodiment shown in FIG. 11 consists of three shortened support plates 9a and one receiving plate 9b, which allows the accommodation of two bed rails 10 oriented orthogonally to one another. .

  12-17 show alternative embodiments of the lower part of the vertical stand. The first tubular member 4 is the same in all of these embodiments. As shown, the base plate 3 may take any one of the different forms shown in these figures (or any other form), and the invention contemplates a particular size of the base plate 3 It is not limited to the shape. The first cylindrical member 4 may be further supported by one or more diagonal support brackets 21. The support bracket 21 has one end welded to the first cylindrical support member 4 and the other end welded to the base plate 3.

  FIG. 18 is a perspective view of a stationary vertical stand without a shock absorber assembly. As mentioned above, depending on the trampoline facility configuration, it is preferable to attach one end of the bedrail to the vertical stand with the shock absorber shown in FIG. 1 and the other end of the bedrail to the vertical stand without the shock absorber. It may be. In the vertical stand shown in this figure, there is no second cylindrical member (see reference numeral 5 in FIG. 1), only the first cylindrical member 4 and its upper end is welded to the inner side surface of two parallel receiving brackets 9 There is. In this embodiment, the outer diameter of the first cylindrical member 4 is the same as the outer diameter of the second cylindrical member 5 shown in the above-described embodiment. This is because the upper end of the tubular member must be approximately the same outside diameter as the bedrail so as to fit within the groove formed by the receiving bracket 9, the support plate 9a and / or the receiving plate 9c.

  FIG. 19 is a detailed top view of a trampoline mat connected to the trampoline suspension attachment linkage of the present invention. As shown in this figure, in the fully assembled condition, the trampoline mat 22 is connected to the zig-zag member 11 and / or the arched member 9c with a trampoline spring 23. A foam pad (not shown) is then placed over the trampoline mat 22 and the interconnected bedrail framework.

While the preferred embodiments of the invention have been illustrated and described, it will be obvious to those skilled in the art that many variations and modifications may be made in the broadest aspects of the invention without departing from the invention. The appended claims, therefore, are intended to cover all modifications and variations that fall within the spirit and scope of the present invention.

Claims (8)

A long bed rail rotatably mounted on a telescopic vertical stand having a first tubular member, a second tubular member and a base plate, wherein the first tubular member is hollow and attached to the base plate to provide the base plate Extending upwardly from the second cylinder member, and the second cylinder member is telescopically fitted inside the first cylinder member;
The upper end of the second tubular member is configured to form at least one groove into which the first end of the bedrail is inserted, the first end of the bedrail having a shaft, and the bedrail The first end of the second cylindrical member relative to the upper end of the second cylindrical member about the shaft;
The first and second tubular members include a shock absorber assembly, and the shock absorber assembly is a cylindrical bottom post fixed to a base plate whose lower end is configured to fit inside the first tubular member. A lower end of a shock absorber is attached to an upper end of the cylindrical bottom post, and an upper portion of the shock absorber is attached to an upper end of the second tubular member.   The trampoline suspension attachment assembly according to claim 1, wherein the second tubular member has four outer surfaces and four plastic liners respectively affixed to the outer surface of the second tubular member.   2. The trampoline suspension mounting connection according to claim 1, wherein the bedrail comprises trampoline spring mounting means.   4. The trampoline suspension attachment system according to claim 3, wherein the trampoline spring attachment means is one or more zigzag shaped members.   The first end of the bedrail includes a cylindrical bush disposed in a cylindrical channel provided at the first end of the bedrail, and the shaft passes through a central hole of the cylindrical bush. The trampoline suspension attachment coupling device of claim 1.   The trampoline of claim 1, wherein the shock absorber assembly further comprises a coil spring disposed around the cylindrical bottom post, between the base plate and a top plate disposed at an upper end of the cylindrical bottom post. Suspension mounting connection device.   The trampoline suspension mounting connection according to claim 1, wherein the shock absorber is a gas spring.   The shaft may extend through a slot in each of two plates on either side of the first end of the bedrail, the slot moving laterally within the slot as the bedrail pivots. The trampoline suspension attachment arrangement according to claim 1, wherein the trampoline suspension attachment arrangement is configured to be capable of.

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